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"Excellent improvement to the original Gilson Microman; particularly in user comfort (fits more easily in the hand, better suited to extended use). The new volume lock is also very good, stops any drift while in use."

Microlab STAR Line Liquid Handling Workstations

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Your ideal lab automation solution can be reached with the combination of the flexible platform design and the great know-how of our scientific specialists. The STAR line workstations are based on superior air displacement pipetting technology.Increased accuracy and repeatability while providing chain of custody with pipette condition monitoring and recording. Each workstation can be configured with multiple arms and each arm can be configured with multiple pipetting and labware gripping devices. Pipetting channels and labware grippers move independently of each other, supporting the use of a wide range of labware. The autoload option provides barcode tracking of samples, labware, racks and carriers. All workstation functions and integrated third-party devices are controlled by the Venus ...Read more

"The Microlab STARlet IVD is a customizable instrument that offers a large amount of assurance that the assay is running correctly, from monitoring aspiration and dispensing pressure curves to barcode verification of carriers and reagents, and more. The assistance and support we get from Hamilton is excellent, they are fast to respond to questions."

"This is a powerful instrument, most useful for set assays with the same assay parameters. Our lab's needs are a little more challenging: in addition to a calibration curve, various samples for pharmacokinetic analysis require different levels of serial dilutions. Thus, more complicated programming is needed, since the scenario can be quite different from plate to plate, and the software has a somewhat steep learning curve. Also, as with other robotic systems, you should be prepared for a higher reagent usage due to dead volume limitations, and you should also adjust for the relatively slower action vs. manual operators. Consumables (pipette tips, reservoirs, etc.) can add up."

"The Hamilton Star line of automated pipettes are solid choices if you're looking to streamline routine laboratory pipetting tasks. Once you attend the week long training session at their headquaters in Reno Nevada, you'll be fully proficient at programming the system and would have the confidence to troubleshoot common problems that will arise after implementation. "

"The method-writing software that comes with the Microlab STAR is easy to learn and use, even a novice can get a quick tutorial and start using it to create simple methods to run experiments. However there are some limitations for more advanced users (certain settings cannot be customized) which keeps this from being a 5 star system for me. I would definitely recommend my colleagues to try out this system because my overall experience with the Microlab Star has been positive."

"The Star liquid handler interfaces well with the Hamilton Store system and can also be used for routine liquid handling. The software controls peripherals well and is quite complex; there is a good graphical GUI that is not too hard to use and the scripting can be picked up especially if the user is familiar with other liquid handler scripting. On deck plate movement is robust but relatively slow and peripheral integration is good but not very compact; there is a lot of wasted space which is addressed somewhat by the new Vantage. The Hamilton team were helpful and responsive with issues that arose during testing and after installation."

"The Hamilton Star is a great instrument. Very reliable and sturdy, usually does not crash on its own, you really need to do something wrong to make it stop. Handles 96, 384, even 1536 formats great. The software and programming features are easy to use. Once you have the protocols written, using it is a breeze. Writing them is whole another story. Another issue we had is getting someone to train members of our team in using it. I am sure Hamilton provides great instructions once you buy the new instrument, but with older ones they don't have the incentive to spend time teaching people how to use it."

"The Hamilton Star is one of the most versatile large-scale liquid-handlers on the market. The base system provides good structure and possibilities for integrations. The software platform has quite a learning barrier for entry method development, but once learnt allows extremely complex method and mistake-proofing development. It does take a while to get to know the structures and operational philosophy. Service support is excellent - the network of engineers is good, but the standardization of procedures and documentation is even better. Value - certainly not the cheapest system on the market, but certainly saves buying multiple dedicated instruments."

"The system is very simple and flexible. With sample extractions varying from PPE, SPE, and LLE, the requirements of additional third-party units to be integrated is made easy (shakers, vacuum, robotic arm to move plates). The 2D and 1D barcode features are also critical to ease identifying and tracking samples. There are also many different technologies available to help ensure the accuracy and precision of pipetting like capacitance and pressure liquid level detection, as well as full pressure monitoring. The customer service we've received has been great going from replacing parts, to application implementation advice."

"The ability to develop your own scripts is a huge plus. User interface is simple to work with. However, to fully utilize its capabilities, user customization is a must, which is not so trivial in a bio-pharmaceutical company."

"The Hamilton Microlab Star has fantastic hardware and the Hamilton team gave us incredible after sales service to get us up and running. We really couldn't have asked for more from them. The one downside with the Hamilton is the programming - as someone who is new to robotics it is not very intuitive or user friendly."

"Provides the required high level of dispensing accuracy and reliable operation. Capable of >10k dispenses between services. O-ring pipette seal and transfer system is the most similar to manual pipetting of any pipetting system. Variable span and tip picking 8-head extremely flexible, 96- & 384-head stamps useable with many plate types, liquid detection excellent. Wide range of optional extras allow customisation to meet ongoing/changing user requirements. Top of the range error handling options. The base language Vector is highly flexible, but requires expert programming to be best utilised. For the price, you get a mechanically excellent system that will remain flexible enough to meet your needs in the future, but you may want to consider the value of other software providers if you intend to have users developing programs, as the base language is a far cry from the icon-driven workflows used with other systems."

"Excellent hardware, robust and easily maintained. Software takes some getting used to. Sequence approach is unique. No system liquid. Sterility has been maintained for less than a year with no contamination events."

"Extremely easy to use programming software. It can be used for various applications- compound management, plate preparation for screening and bulk dispensing. Service through Hamilton is always quick and very helpful."

Description

Your ideal lab automation solution can be reached with the combination of the flexible platform design and the great know-how of our scientific specialists. The STAR line workstations are based on superior air displacement pipetting technology.

Increased accuracy and repeatability while providing chain of custody with pipette condition monitoring and recording. Each workstation can be configured with multiple arms and each arm can be configured with multiple pipetting and labware gripping devices. Pipetting channels and labware grippers move independently of each other, supporting the use of a wide range of labware. The autoload option provides barcode tracking of samples, labware, racks and carriers. All workstation functions and integrated third-party devices are controlled by the Venus software.

Specific application needs are satisfied by the development and implementation of customized parts as well as complex system integrations.

The modular design allows for changes and upgrades that are easy to realize with your existing configurations. As you are planning new projects, your STAR Line workstation can be refined and developed to be ready for its new challenges.

Microlab STAR Line Liquid Handling Workstations Features:

Dual Liquid Level Detection (LLD): capacitive and/or pressure-based

Immediate correction of errors possible through Monitored Air Displacement (MAD) and the Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring (TADM)

No build-up of aerosols due to the forceless tip pick-up and ejection: CO-RE Technology

Minimization of contamination risks with the Anti Droplet Control (ADC)